Lebanon's Jeita Grotto Among Finalists for 7 Wonders of Nature

posted on: Jul 23, 2009

Lebanon’s Jeita Grotto has been selected as one of 28 finalists in a worldwide campaign to choose the “New 7 Wonders of Nature,” organizers said on Tuesday.

Jeita was chosen from 77 nominees by a panel of experts who assessed 261 international landmarks picked by the public. It will be competing with such natural landmarks as the Galapagos, the Dead Sea and the Amazon.

Finalists are selected according to their diversity, importance to human life and geographical balance by a jury panel chaired by former UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) chief, Federico Mayor.

Jeita Grotto, often referred to as the “Pearl of Nature in Lebanon,” comprises two crystallized limestone caves and an underground river. The chambers also boast one of the largest stalactites in the world.

Director of the grotto, Dr. Nabil Haddad, said he was “extremely happy” the cave had been recognized as a finalist. “We are proud to be a part of the campaign – it is an achievement for Lebanon,” he told The Daily Star.

The wonders will be chosen by mobile phone and internet users across the world.

The Daily Star